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olive oil

Oils & FatsYear-round availability, though freshly pressed oils from the autumn harvest (September–November in the Northern Hemisphere) offer peak flavor and quality for several months following production.

Rich in monounsaturated fats and polyphenols, olive oil is associated with cardiovascular health benefits; extra virgin varieties contain higher concentrations of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

About

Olive oil is a liquid fat extracted from olives (Olea europaea), the fruit of the olive tree native to the Mediterranean region. The oil is produced through mechanical pressing or crushing of ripe or unripe olives, with production methods ranging from traditional stone-grinding to modern centrifugal techniques. Quality and flavor vary significantly by harvest time, olive cultivar, growing region, and production process. Extra virgin olive oil, the least processed form, is obtained from the first cold pressing and retains the most flavor, aroma, and polyphenols. Virgin and refined olive oils undergo additional processing for higher smoke points and more neutral flavors. The oil's color ranges from pale yellow to deep green, depending on olive ripeness and processing methods, with flavor profiles spanning from buttery and fruity to grassy, peppery, and herbaceous.

Culinary Uses

Olive oil is fundamental to Mediterranean cuisine and widely used across global cooking traditions. Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for finishing dishes, dressings, and dips where its flavor is highlighted, while refined or light olive oil is suited for cooking at higher temperatures. The oil is essential in Italian, Spanish, Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern cuisines for sautéing, roasting, emulsifying vinaigrettes, and drizzling over soups, grains, and vegetables. Regional preferences influence usage: Spanish oils often accompany hearty stews and grilled meats, while Greek and Italian oils complement tomato-based dishes, fresh herbs, and cheeses. Beyond savory applications, olive oil appears in Mediterranean desserts and breads.

Used In

Recipes Using olive oil (1,807)

RCI-SN.001.0338.001

Salsa Verde

The classic green salsa recipe.

RCI-SP.003.0577.001

Sancocho Soup

Sancocho Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.003.0035.001

San Francisco style Scallop Ceviche

A ceviche is a seafood dish, originating in Peru, that relies on acid rather than heat to cook the fish. This recipe adds a bit of a California twist by adding sliced avocado to the dish.

RCI-SF.003.0036.001

San Francisco-style Scallop Ceviche

San Francisco style Scallop Cevich

RCI-BR.002.0095.001

Santa Cruz Pizza

Santa Cruz Pizza sells some delicious pizza dough. Here is the recipe that they gave me!

RCI-VG.001.0525.001

Santa Fe Salad I

Santa Fe Salad I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.002.0250.001

Sausage and Mashers

Sausage and Mashers from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.001.0196.001

Sausage, Chicken and Shrimp Paella

Makes 4 servings

RCI-VG.004.1185.001

Sautéed Cabbage

Sautéed Cabbage from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.001.0319.001

Sautéed Crumb-crusted Shad with Marinara Sauce and Basil

Seafood Recipes by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Cook Time: Serves:

RCI-VG.004.1187.001

Sautéed Eggplant with Tomato-Garlic Sauce

This recipe is for 6 servings.

RCI-VG.004.1189.001

Sautéed Green Beans I

I prepare frozen green beans and certain other frozen vegetables by sautéing in a bit of olive oil in a good skillet by putting them in when still frozen... they thaw and caramelize and taste wonderful!

RCI-BV.003.0073.001

Sautéed Tenderloin Steaks with Wine Sauce

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Henry Estate in Dallas, Texas in 1980.

RCI-SW.002.0095.001

Sautéed Tofu and Chard Sandwich

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RCI-RC.001.0197.001

Savory Kasha Pilaf

Savory Kasha Pilaf from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.005.0264.001

Savory Pepper Picadillo

This is our family’s version of picadillo, full of flavorful Beef and vegetables, and it is one of my favorite dishes.

RCI-SP.004.0272.001

Sawani

Lamb shank casserole with cayenne. Typical of the Middle East, there are many variations on this dish, some with carrots instead of potatoes and some lacking tomatoes. Chopped fresh green chiles can be substituted for the Cayenne if you wish.

RCI-SF.002.0226.001

Scallop Ceviche with Chow-chow

Scallop Ceviche with Chow-chow from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.002.0234.001

Scallops, Bell Peppers, Mango and Avocado

Scallops, Bell Peppers, Mango and Avocado from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.002.0236.001

Scallop, Spinach and Tomato Sauté

Scallop, Spinach and Tomato Sauté from the Public Health Cookbook by the Seattle & King County Department of Public Health—original source of recipe, public domain government resource Cook Time: About 10 minutes Serves: 6

RCI-SF.002.0238.001

Scallops with Pink Grapefruit Beurre Blanc

I obtained this recipe from an estate sale when I purchased the family collection from the Monsey Estate in Crandall, Texas in 1991.

RCI-SF.001.0324.001

Scollop

Scollop from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.002.0063.001

Scrambled Eggs

Scrambled Eggs from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.002.0066.001

Scrambled Eggs with Fresh Salsa

Scrambled Eggs with Fresh Salsa from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.002.0068.001

Scrambled Tofu

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RCI-BR.006.0301.001

Scrumptious Layered Pie

This savory pie contains layers of tomatoes, onion, sweet peppers, sausage and mushrooms, topped with a cheese and mayonnaise layer.

RCI-SN.001.0342.001

Sea Bass with Dried Fruit Salsa

Fruit & Vegetable of the Month: Dried Fruit by the US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 4

RCI-SF.005.0051.002

Seafood Gumbo

Seafood Gumbo a dish of New Orleans, with fresh sea food.

RCI-SF.001.0325.001

Seafood Kebabs with Zhoug Sauce

Charcoal grilled squid, prawn and fish kebabs in Zhoug sauce (a spicy dipping sauce that can be used in a variety of different ways). The original recipe called for octopus, but I've expanded it with good results.

RCI-SC.003.0174.001

Seafood Marinade

Seafood Marinade from the Recidemia collection

Seafood Paella
RCI-RC.001.0198.001

Seafood Paella

Seafood Paella from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.005.0052.001

Seafood Stew

Seafood Stew from National Diabetes Program Recipe and Meal Planner Guide, public domain government resource—original source of recipe This stew can be served with boiled yucca or plantains and a vegetable salad.

RCI-MT.004.0719.001

Seared Chicken Breast with Brandy Cream Sauce

Seared Chicken Breast with Brandy Cream Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.001.0326.001

Seared Mustard-coated Salmon

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 6 servings

RCI-SF.001.0327.001

Seared Tuna Napoleon

Makes 2 to 2½ cups of sauce

RCI-MT.004.0721.001

Seasoned Roasted Chicken

Here's a very tasty way to make roast chicken.  Its a family recipe I created one day when we had a lot of frying chickens in the freezer. - Source: Mash317.

RCI-SP.005.0214.001

Seco de Cordero

Peruvian lamb stew / curry, serves 4 eco De Cordero

RCI-SW.004.0039.001

Seitan Fajitas with Avocado-Yogurt Sauce

Seitan Fajitas with Avocado-Yogurt Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.003.0037.001

Selyodka pod Ukropnym Sousom

Selyodka pod Ukropnym Sousom from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.002.0042.001

Serbian Garlic Sauce

Serbian Garlic Sauce

RCI-SN.001.0347.001

Seven-layer Pizza Dip

This is a quick and easy party dip that you can put together in minutes.

RCI-SF.003.0038.001

Seviche I

Seviche I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1217.001

Shaahi Palak

Gingered carrot and spinach supreme Makes 6 servings

RCI-SC.004.0038.001

Shiitake Mushroom Gravy

Shiitake Mushroom Gravy from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0532.001

Shirazi

Shirazi Tomato and mint salad. Delicious Iranian-style salad. Easy to throw together, goes well with kebabs, kofta, anything really. Prep time includes refrigeration time.

RCI-SN.003.0230.001

Shish Kebab

Stuffed baby lamb is a popular dish in Jordan, which people enjoy as a big and heavy meal. it consists of roasted lamb, stuffed with rice, chopped onions, nuts and raisins.

RCI-VG.004.1222.001

Shorbet Ads

Lentil soup with delicious taste.

RCI-VG.004.1223.001

Shorpa

Shorpa from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.002.0245.001

Shrimp and Grape Salad

Plump shrimp and sweet grapes in a light vinegar and mayonnaise dressing lend just the right touch of casual refinement to a backyard al fresco meal or upscale picnic outing.

Shrimp and Grits
RCI-SF.002.0246.001

Shrimp and Grits

S. specialty.